Avoiding a Criminal Record for DUI with RIDR Program

Name: Law Office of W.F."Casey" Ebsary, Jr.
Price range: $$$

Introduction

If you’ve been charged with a first-time DUI offense, you may be concerned about the long-term consequences of a criminal record. Fortunately, some prosecutors offer programs designed to provide a second chance for individuals with first-time DUI offenses. One such program is the “Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism” (RIDR) Program, which offers eligible individuals the opportunity to avoid a DUI conviction and eventually have their record largely expunged from public documents.

DUI Video Transcript:

You want to avoid a criminal record for DUI? Some prosecutors have programs that allow people with first-time offenses to avoid a conviction for DUI, leaving you the opportunity to later come back and have the record [almost] completely removed from public documents.

The RIDR Program

Eligibility

The RIDR Program is specifically tailored for first-time DUI offenders. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain criteria established by the State Attorney’s Office. These criteria typically include having a clean prior criminal record and not being involved in any accidents resulting in serious injury or death.

Benefits

Participating in the RIDR Program can have significant advantages. Instead of facing a DUI conviction on your record, RIDR allows you to plead to a reduced charge of reckless driving. This reduction can lead to a more favorable outcome in terms of penalties and long-term consequences.

Program Requirements

Participants in the RIDR Program are required to fulfill specific conditions, such as completing community service hours, attending DUI School, and complying with alcohol monitoring. Additionally, participants must provide proof of their successful completion of these requirements.

Conclusion

The RIDR Program offers hope for individuals facing a first-time DUI offense who wish to avoid a criminal record. By meeting the program’s eligibility criteria and fulfilling its requirements, participants have the chance to significantly reduce the impact of a DUI charge on their future. This program underscores the importance of second chances and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system, ultimately working towards the goal of reducing impaired driving recidivism.

Text of Offer from Prosecutor:

Offer for Level 1

You have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) has screened your case, and you are eligible to participate in Level 1 of the RIDR program. If you wish to participate in the RIDR program, you must set your case for a disposition hearing approximately sixty (60) days from arraignment. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191, you have the right to be brought to trial within ninety (90) days. To obtain a disposition date that will allow you to participate in the RIDR program, you will need to waive your right to speedy trial.

Before that disposition court date, you must complete the following sanctions:

1. You must remain crime-free and commit no new law violations,
2. You must provide proof to the SAO that you have completed DUI School.
3. You must provide proof to the SAO that you have attended the Victim Impact Panel.
4. You must not possess or consume alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed drugs.
5. You must provide proof to the SAO that you have installed an ignition interlock alcohol monitoring device or that you have a SCRAM continuous alcohol monitoring device.

Credit for the time completed on a monitoring device prior to your plea will only be given if you provide all available monitoring reports to the SAO one week before your court date and the reports show no violations. Please note, a violation may disqualify you from RIDR.

All costs associated with obtaining monitoring reports are your responsibility.

6. You must provide proof to the SAO of the successful completion of ten (10) community service hours. If you successfully complete ALL of these sanctions before your disposition court hearing, the SAO will offer the following resolution of your criminal case.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS SOLELY A PLEA OFFER FROM THE STATE – THE COURT HAS DISCRETION TO REJECT THE OFFER:

The State of Florida will reduce your charge of DUI and allow you to enter a plea of no contest or guilty to the reduced charge of reckless driving. We will recommend that adjudication be withheld, and you be placed on probation for a period of twelve (12) months with the following conditions of probation:

1. Standard court costs.
2. Successful completion of fifty (50) community service hours at a location approved by probation. You will be given credit at the time of sentencing for hours already completed.
3. Ten (10) day vehicle immobilization.
4. No possession or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed drugs.
5. Ignition interlock alcohol monitoring for a period of three (3) months or submit to SCRAM continuous alcohol monitoring for a period of three (3) months. The three (3) month period will run from the date of installation of the device, not from the date of sentence, if you provide an interlock or SCRAM report showing successful monitoring prior to your disposition date.
6. Successful completion of DUI School and any recommended treatment (with credit for completion prior to the date of sentence).
7. All standard conditions of probation.

NOTE: ALL CASES are evaluated on an individual, fact-specific basis. A defendant’s eligibility is determined at the sole discretion of the Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit. Updated 10/29/2020